Bespoke Tours Around Oban, Glencoe, Mull, Iona, Showcasing the Best of the Area's History, Culture, Whiskey and Heritage

Tours

My tours are bespoke - tailored to what you would like to do and see - but in order to give you an idea of what the area has to offer there follows a brief description of a few of the tours that have proved popular.

Mull & Iona
Travel by ferry and car across Mull to Iona, where Christianity came to Scotland

These example tours give an idea of what is achievable in a full day excursion, travelling at a relaxed pace. Their start and end are within in a radius of 20 miles or so from the town of Oban on the West coast, of course if you are staying in a different area, we can tailor any tours to suit. More ambitious trips to other areas of Scotland can be readily organised if desired.

There are plenty of opportunities for coffee or tea stops on most tours, however if something more substantial is required I can provide picnic hampers with the finest local produce, or suggest the best of the area's restaurants or hostelries.

_________________________________________

North over Connel bridge to Ardchattan Priory beside Loch Etive, with its formal borders and the ruined Chapel. Back on the main road towards Appin the route takes us over the old railway bridge and winds up to the head of Loch Creran to the lovely gardens at Drimnavuic, much developed by its current owners. After a short drive back to Port Appin the lunch stop is the Pier House providing fine seafood with a view across to the island of Lismore. Our afternoon trail returns us to Taynuilt and the tranquil beauty of the woodland walk through Angus’ Garden in Glen Lonan.

Another idea for garden lovers

This is a must for foodies! Our tour starts with a visit to Inverawe Smokehouses. This family run business still smokes fish in the traditional way and has built up a reputation for the best smoked produce. You will see around the smokehouse and enjoy a taster of some of the goodies on offer - their mail order service awaits! After coffee and a walk around it’s off to Oban for a tour of the town’s own Distillery, producing its single malt whisky since the 1790s. After a light lunch overlooking the harbour and a wander around the town, we take the main road back to Connel and just north over the bridge we visit the Oyster Beds run by Alison & Hugo Vayck on Loch Creran.

This trip encompasses the Clan Campbell heartlands. There is a contrast between the striking ruins of the 15th Century Kilchurn Castle at the head of Loch Awe and the stately home of the Dukes of Argyll: Inveraray Castle. Loch Awe itself is one of the biggest of Scotland's inland lochs and it is possible to follow 20 miles and more of single track roads along its shores. In the village of Loch Awe is St. Conan's Kirk which is an unusual mix of architectural styles. Driving to Inveraray from here the route climbs quite noticeably and one can look back and see the dam in a corrie on Ben Cruachan - part of the hydro-electric scheme with its power station inside the mountain. Our route reaches sea level again at the shores of Loch Fyne as we enter Inveraray. This town and its castle were planned and built in the time of the 3rd Duke of Argyll in the late 18th century. The Clan chiefs who became Earls then Dukes of Argyll moved from Loch Awe to Inveraray at the end of the 15th century. I will take you on a guided tour of the castle's fine rooms and displays followed by a pub lunch at the George Hotel and a walk around the town.

Oban is the main port serving most of the Inner Hebridean islands, and from here day trips are manageable to some of the nearer islands. The Oban Distillery has been producing fine single malt whisky since the 1790’s and is our first place to visit. We can also get a great panoramic view of the area from McCaig’s Tower above the town itself. Heading east, then north over Connel Bridge we are on the road to Fort William. A halt is recommended above Port Appin for a view of Castle Stalker and the island of Lismore. Then as we go over the striking bridge at Ballachulish we are almost in the Highland Region. We strike north west briefly at Fort William to get a proper view of Ben Nevis (clouds permitting!). After a late lunch break our route takes us into the wild and breathtaking surroundings of Glen Coe. We regain civilisation at Tyndrum.

A trip to the islands. This is a full day excursion and requires a punctual start to be on board the 10.00 a.m. sailing from Oban to Mull. After the 45 minute crossing to the small harbour at Craignure we drive down the southern end of Mull through stunning glens till the view opens out to the Ross of Mull. On arrival at Fionnphort we abandon the car for the 5-minute ferry trip over to the sacred island of Iona. There is a short walk up through the village to the Abbey. Founded by St. Columba in 563 A.D. this is a fascinating glimpse at the history of Christianity’s arrival in Scotland. There is time of course for a wander on some stunning beaches and a picnic lunch before the return drive across Mull to catch the ferry back to the mainland.

In the 6th Century when Eric’s son Fergus and his kinsmen sailed across from their homelands in Ulster they settled in Mid-Argyll and established the Kingdom of Dalriada. We can walk up to the remains of the fort at Dunadd with its ancient footprints and cup and ring marks then on into Kilmartin glen with majestic standing stones and burial cairns. The Kilmartin House museum is well worth the visit - as is its tearoom with great soups and home baking! Travelling north via Oban we are in the heart of Lorn and there is an chance to see a relic of later times, the 12th century ruins of Dunstaffnage Castle, ancient seat of the MacDougalls of Lorne, forfeited then to the Campbells.

Son of a Carpenter. Traditionally thought to be a branch of Clan Donald. They are recorded in several quite different parts of Scotland but have a strong documented connection with Argyll. One of the most notable figures was Duncan Ban MacIntyre, the Gaelic poet of the 18th Century, born in Glen Orchy in 1724. His monument can be seen up behind the village of Dalmally. Another place of interest is Glenoe (not to be confused with the nearby Glen Coe), where a cairn has been erected by the shores of Loch Etive - MacIntyres owned this land for some 500 years

The most notable ancestor of the clan was Somerled, Lord of the Isles in the 12th Century who was recognised as an independent prince by Malcolm 4th King of Scots. 100 years or so later MacDougall Lords of Lorne were a very powerful family. In the struggle for the Scots throne between Comyn and Robert the Bruce, the MacDougalls fought against Bruce. There were famous skirmishes with Bruce and his followers both near Tyndrum and in the Pass of Brander by Loch Awe. A drive west from the head of Loch Awe will take us through the latter then on towards the west coast along Loch Etive to visit Dunstaffnage Castle built by the MacDougalls in the 1200’s. Travelling on to Oban a stop for a short but steep climb takes you up to the ruins of Dunollie Castle, another early seat of the clan.

The Clan Gregor’s roots trace it back to Gregor, 3rd son of Alpin, King of Scots in the 8th Century. The clan once held possession of many lands in the central Highlands - from the area around Ben Cruachan to Fortingall in Glen Lyon, Perthshire as well as land on Loch Lomondside. They had a name for being against the feudal system and were proud defenders of their ancestry with the ancient Celtic Kings. They often had feuds with neighbouring clans, not least the Campbells who came to hold much of the former MacGregor lands such as Glen Orchy near Lochawe. Clan chiefs in recent times have lived at Balquhidder just south of Lochearnhead, heart of the clan’s old lands. A day’s excursion can include much of MacGregor country including the museum in the town of Callender.

The Campbell Clan has been perhaps the most powerful and influential in Argyll and the West of Scotland. Their earlier seats were Innischonnel Castle on its island on Loch Awe and Kilchurn at the head of that same water. Those from Kilchurn - the Campbells of Glencorchy, later Earls Breadalbane, expanded their territory far into Perthshire. One can travel east right along Loch Tay and still be in their former lands. Those descended from Sir Colin Campbell of Lochow became Campbells of Argyll and clan chiefs and Earls of Argyll in the 1450’s. They moved to the new base of power at Inveraray. A visit to this Royal Burgh and a tour of the castle lets one see something of the heritage of this family and of the wider Campbell clan. The places in Argyll that are part of the clan’s history are many and the visitor (especially the one with Campbell connections!) needs more than one day to follow the paths that any forebears may have trod.

Another idea for garden lovers

Heading south away from Lochawe and down to sea level again at Inveraray we visit two fine gardens on Loch Fyne. First we drive south to Crarae the Scottish National Trust garden, renowned for wonderful rhododendrons and big trees. On our return to Inveraray, we will have a private visit to the formal gardens at Inveraray Castle, home to the Dukes of Argyll (with the option of a tour round the fine state rooms as well). There is good pub food at the George Hotel in the town, followed by the drive round the far side of Loch Fyne to the woodland gardens at Ardkinglas.